“We all want to win as many games as possible, but my job is to match the short term with the long term,” he said. “We felt this was in our best interest.”

That’s what Mets general manager Sandy Alderson had to say to reporters before tonight’s game, in response to trading catcher John Buck and outfielder Marlon Byrd.

Sandy added that second base prospect Dilson Herrera as well as a player still to be named later, was better than any offer he received before the July 31st trade deadline.

Regarding Herrera, Alderson described him as a solid defender with some power and some speed. He will report immediately to Single-A Savannah.

Terry Collins also spoke to reporters and when asked about the added pressure he now has to perform with the loss of two significant bats, the Mets manager replied: “This is not about me, this will never be about me. This is only about our team.”

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